I am a doctor specializing in the Emergency Departments of the only two military Level One-Trauma Centers, both in San Antonio, TX and they care for civilian Emergencies as well as military personnel. San Antonio has the largest military retiree population in the world living here. As a military doctor, I work long hours and the pay is less than glamorous. One tends to become jaded by the long hours, lack of sleep, food, family contact and the endless parade of human suffering passing before you. The arrival of another ambulance does not mean more pay, only more work.

Most often, it is a victim from a motor vehicle crash. Often it is a person of dubious character who...

http://www.emmitsburg.net/archive_list/articles/thoughtful/fft/soon_to_b...

Written by Lieutenant Colonel Allen B West (US Army, Ret)

This past Thursday 13 American Soldiers were killed and another 30 wounded at a horrific mass shooting at US Army installation, Ft Hood Texas. As I watched in horror and then anger I recalled my two years of final service in the Army as a Battalion Commander at Ft Hood, 2002-2004.

My wife and two daughters were stunned at the incident having lived on the post in family housing.

A military installation, whether it is Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, or Coast Guard, is supposed to be a safe sanctuary for our Warriors and their families. It is intended to provide a home whereby our “Band of Brothers and Sisters” can find solace and bond beyond just the foxhole but as family units.

A military installation is supposed to be a place where our Warriors train for war, to serve and protect our Nation.

On Thursday, 5 November 2009 Ft Hood became a part of the battlefield CONTINUED »

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Charles I. Cartwright of Union Bridge, MD:

"Maria and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sergeant Charles Cartwright. Charles was a brave and courageous Marine, who worked daily to safeguard the ideals our country was built upon. We are forever indebted to his service and join all Californians in honoring his sacrifice. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Charles' family, friends and fellow Marines during this difficult time."

Cartwright, 26, died on November 7 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan. Cartwright was assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Sgt. Cartwright, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Imagine Americans openly praising Hitler in New York in 1943. But in today's politically correct age, everyone's free speech is under threat except that of these guys.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the deaths of Maj. Samuel Leigh, 1st Lt. Thomas Claiborne, Lt. Cmdr. Che J. Barnes, Lt. Adam W. Bryant, Chief Petty Officer John F. Seidman, Petty Officer 2nd Class Carl P. Grigonis, Petty Officer 2nd Class Monica L. Beacham, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason S. Moletzsky and Petty Officer 3rd Class Danny R. Kreder:

"These brave men and women dedicated their lives to ensuring our safety and today we are tragically reminded of the dangers they face while protecting our state and nation. Maria and I join all Californians in expressing our respect and gratitude for their service and sadness over their deaths. Together we send our thoughts and prayers to their families and friends. Our hearts are with them during this difficult time."

Leigh, 35; Claiborne, 26; Barnes, 35; Bryant, 28; Seidman, 43; Grigonis, 35; Beacham, 29; Moletzsky, 26; and Kreder, 22, were presumed killed on October 29 after a Coast Guard C-130 plane and a Marine AH-1 Cobra helicopter collided off the coast of Southern California. The Marine pilots were conducting routine training about 15 miles off San Clemente Island when they collided with the U.S. Coast Guard plane, which was based out of the Coast Guard Air Station in Sacramento, CA.

In honor of the victims, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the deaths of Cpl. Gregory M.W. Fleury of Anchorage, AK, Capt. Eric A. Jones of Westchester, NY, Capt. David S. Mitchell of Loveland, OH and Capt. Kyle R. Van De Giesen of North Attleboro, MA:

"Corporal Gregory Fleury, Captain Eric Jones, Captain David Mitchell and Captain Kyle Van De Giesen were brave Marines who proudly and selflessly served our nation. On behalf of all Californians, Maria and I express our admiration for their courage, gratitude for their service and sadness over their deaths. Our hearts are with their family, friends and fellow Marines during this difficult time."

Fleury, 23, Jones, 29 and Van De Giesen, 29, were assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force. Mitchell, 30, was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

All four Marines died on October 26 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. They were based out of Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Cpl. Fleury, Capt. Jones, Capt. Mitchell and Capt. Van De Giesen, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Specialist Michael A. Dahl, Jr. of Moreno Valley:

“Specialist Michael Dahl was a proud and courageous soldier who selflessly worked to defend our nation. Maria and I join all Californians in remembering Michael’s service and honoring his sacrifice. Our hearts are with his family and friends.”

Dahl, 23, died Oct. 17 in Argahndab, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Dahl was assigned to 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army, Fort Lewis, WA.

In honor of Spc. Dahl, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Spc. Jesus O. Flores of La Mirada:

“Specialist Jesus Flores will be forever remembered for his courage and strength while protecting our country’s freedom. Jesus’ bravery is an example of the commitment and passion of our troops and we are forever indebted to his service. Maria and I send our prayers and condolences to Jesus’ family, friends, and fellow soldiers.”

Flores, 28, died October 15 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Flores was assigned to the 569th Mobility Augmentation Company, 4th Engineer Battalion, U.S. Army, Fort Carson, CO.

In honor of Spc. Flores, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

You’re invited to the 4th Annual “Honoring Women Veterans” luncheon, Saturday, October 24th, 11AM to 3PM, at the VA Sepulveda Campus Building 23 (gymnasium), parking in Lot ‘X’,. For further information, please contact Julie Stranges, Voluntary Service Office, 818-895-9325. Delicious food, fabulous guests, tons of fun! Sponsored by Daughter of the American Revolution.

Each year Operation Homefront holds several events in order to meet the needs of military families during the holiday season. We cannot provide food and gifts without your help and it’s not too early to start planning now. Below are several ways that you can bring a smile to a child this holiday season and support our military, including adopting a family!

ADOPT A FAMILY: You can give a most precious gift of adopting a military family this holiday season. If you would like to sponsor a family, please contact naomi.rosen@operationhomefront.net. Or call (866) 424- 5210. Details are on our web site.

OUR GIFT TO YOU: Gift bags laden with the makings of a holiday dinner are given to over 1000 families in December. A donation of $35 allows donors to sponsor one bag of food complete with all of the trimmings.

FOOD DRIVE: You may donate non-perishable food to Operation Homefront families to help stock our warehouse throughout the year and provide assistance for families during the holiday season.

TOY DRIVE: You may donate toys for military children for Our Gift ToYou event and the Wounded Warrior Christmas Party. Toys for girls and boys ages 2 to 14 are needed.

SEND DONATIONS TO: Operation Homefront, PO Box 26747, San Diego, CA 92196. www.operationhomefront.net/socal

Operation Homefront is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit organizations dedicated to assisting U.S. services members and wounded warriors returning home, as well as their families. San Diego is the oldest and largest of 30 chapters nationwide and has helped over 12,000 military families since it’s inception in February 2002 with emergency aid such as food, baby care items, vehicle donation and repair, computer donations, financial assistance during times of personal crisis, and social support during especially difficult deployments and holiday seasons.